Armed Man Arrested At Jersey City Police HQ, Wanted 'Street Cred'

JERSEY CITY, NJ — An armed man was subdued and taken into custody at a Jersey City police building on Thursday night, authorities said.

According to the authorities, the incident took place at 11:09 p.m. as 16 officers in the South District police building were preparing to hit the streets for the night shift.

A man later identified as Kevin Cherry approached the building, concealing a handgun behind his back. Cherry then walked up the front steps... right where the officers were holding their roll call, police said.

A Jersey City police sergeant standing outside the building was able to stop and disarm Cherry before he got inside, a city spokesperson said.

Cherry said he was looking to earn “street cred,” the Jersey City POBA reported.

Authorities charged Cherry with several offenses, including making terroristic threats, simple assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and bail jumping.

“Thankfully the officers were able to subdue him quickly and no one was injured, or worse,” the POBA stated. “This episode served as another scary reminder of the dangers the men and women of the JCPD face every day.”

Public Safety Director James Shea said the officers' quick thinking and effective tactics helped to avert a much-more serious situation.

"The officers placed their own lives at risk to effect the arrest without any harm to the armed suspect," Shea said. "This is yet another example of the excellent work our officers do on a regular basis while protecting the city."

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